Bill > HB1404

This bill aims to increase student access to free meals served at public schools by expanding and modifying existing state laws regarding school meal programs. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the bill requires all public schools to provide breakfast and lunch at no charge to any student who requests a meal, regardless of their family's income status. The legislation removes previous income-based restrictions and gradually phases in free meal access, with the goal of ensuring that no student experiences hunger or food insecurity during the school day. The bill also provides additional state reimbursement to school districts to help cover the cost of providing these free meals, adding $0.05 per meal to federal reimbursement rates. Furthermore, the bill requires schools to continue collecting meal eligibility information to maximize federal funding and mandates that schools participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Community Eligibility Provision complete their four-year cycle. The legislation applies to traditional public schools, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools, and includes provisions to protect student dignity by prohibiting actions that would publicly identify students who cannot pay for meals. The bill's implementation is contingent on specific funding being provided in the state's omnibus appropriations act by June 30, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1404&Year=2025&Initiative=false